Is your washing machine failing to get your clothes as clean as it did when it was new? Thinking about replacing it with a newer model?
Washing machines are available in a choice of free standing or integrated designs. Most have a spin speed of between 1200 and 1600 rpm. The faster the spin speed, the more water that gets removed, meaning your clothes will take less time to dry.
The latest machines will wash anything up to a 7.5 kg load (about 15 pounds) and come with programmes for quick wash, pre-soak, hand wash, wool and gentle fabrics including synthetics. White and silver are the most popular colours and many machines offer a low temperature wash and half load efficiency, saving you time and money.
Most models are front loading with a clear window so you can keep on eye on how your washing is progressing. Some designs include a direct drive motor which produces a quieter spin cycle. You can buy machines with time delays that let you set the machine to wash when you’re out and others with an anti-creasing function to keep clothes nearly wrinkle free.
Automatic water level controls fitted on more expensive models use only the amount of water needed for the amount of washing, and some designs have a time saver feature for freshening up clothes when a full wash isn’t required. Others incorporate an automatic fault diagnosis system so you know what’s wrong when the machine stops working. Most machines also have a visual or audible signal to tell you when the cycle has finished and a time delay mechanism on the door to make sure you don’t flood your kitchen.
Integrated units normally include a digital display and a time remaining indicator, so you know when to get that next load ready. These can be fitted with a full height door to blend in with your existing kitchen cupboards. You can buy machines that work on a cold fill only or others that need a hot and cold mixture. Cold fill versions can be more expensive as they need to heat the water up before the wash cycle begins.
You can purchase all-in-one washer/dryer combinations in the free standing or integrated ranges as well. These are particularly good value and are perfect when space is at a premium, but if the machine develops a fault you could be without both a washer and a dryer until it’s been repaired.
For more on washing machines see UK Washing Machines which is a great guide to washing machines and is also a great place to find cheap washing machines.
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